European imports of U.S. soybeans increased by more than 280 percent during the past year, according to data published last week by the European Commission. Thirty-seven percent of the EU’s soybean imports now come from the U.S., up from 9 percent one year ago.

“The European Union can import more soybeans from the U.S., and this is happening as we speak,” European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said.

An Iowa Soybean Association trade mission in Europe last week revealed optimism for further growth in the EU market.

“With some of the different global economic factors that are at play right now ..., there’s lots of...